By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) Officer Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria assured candidates in the May 12, 2025, midterm elections that all valid votes will be counted.
Ananoria made the assurance during the Prayer for Peace and Peace Covenant Signing for Bacolod City candidates, held at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.
The event was organized by the BCPO, led by Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, in collaboration with Comelec and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
At least 25 candidates for councilor, vice mayor, mayor, and representative participated in the event.
“As long as the ballot is validated, the vote will be counted. There will be no disenfranchisement,” Ananoria told reporters.
He added, “As far as we are concerned, we assure you, your votes will not be wasted.”
Ananoria reminded candidates that starting March 28, 2025, when the campaign period begins, no posters should be placed outside designated Comelec poster areas.
He said local candidates will be officially notified of this regulation based on a Comelec resolution.
“We are asking for your cooperation in removing them,” he said.
Ananoria also announced that the Comelec Task Force Anti-Bigay has uploaded a QR code on the Comelec websitewhere complainants can file reports.
He added that he expects the elections in the province to remain peaceful.
“Definitely peaceful. This covenant is a sign that the candidates are committed to a fair and orderly election,” he said.
Ananoria dismissed as fake news reports that automated counting machines (ACMs) can be hacked.
